Mahwah Firefighters Now Equipped with Life-saving Tool for Pets

The Mahwah Fire Department has received a donation of five sets of specially designed pet oxygen mask kits from at-home pet services provider Canine Company. The kits will be deployed across the township’s five fire companies so first responders will be able to deliver oxygen to pets on the scene of house fires and other emergencies.

The donation was requested by Lt. Robert Policht of Mahwah Fire Company #4, who knew about Canine Company’s donation program because the fire department he was with previously had received the masks.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be outfitted with these pet masks,” he said. “We now have the equipment better serve our community and our four legged family members.” In the photo above, Firefighter Jonathan Fishkin (left) and Kato, the German Shepherd, inspect one of the new pet masks requested Lt. Robert Policht (right).

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation. Human oxygen masks do not fit the shape of most pets’ snouts, making it difficult for first responders to provide oxygen effectively on scene.

Pet oxygen masks are designed for the shape of an animal’s snout. Each set includes three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to giant breed dogs. Canine Company donations have been used to rescue at least a dozen pets in the past year – including six in New Jersey.

Canine Company’s Renee Coughlin said the company has been donating masks to first responders since 2008. “Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” she said. “Our goal is to get these in to the hands of firefighters and EMTs wherever our clients live so they are ready to handle an emergency involving family pets.”

Canine Company also offers free “Pets Inside” decals that homeowners can post on a door or window to let rescuers know there are pets in the home. The decals are available from the fire department or by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners® obedience training to pet parents across New Jersey, New York and New England. This year alone, the company has donated over 100 mask kits to fire departments and first aid squads in 40 communities across New England, New Jersey and New York. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com.

The Mahwah Fire Department was established in 1914. Today, its 200 volunteers serve the Township of Mahwah, covering 27 square miles and a daytime population of over 50,000 from five fire companies. For information, visit the Mahwah Township Fire Department.

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